Still ravaged by the war, the VFL welcomed back Geelong but it was to be another disappointing season for the Demons. Of the 36 players to represent them in their last premiership season 24 were in the services, with just four still playing.

Despite Norm Smith moving into the centre to devastating effect, and Fred Fanning leading the league goalkicking for the second time Melbourne were once again well off the top four pace. Once again they had lost a great chunk of the previous season's side, 22 were unavailable, and debuted 16 new players amongst 46 for the season - equal most of any Melbourne season.

It was initially planned for the new season to have the same system as 1943 where the bottom club would drop out after Round 11 - and in this case the second last club would be 'retired' too - but the system was dropped mid-way through the year, with Melbourne in danger of finishing in the second last spot.

Despite missing four games when suspended for striking, Fred Fanning lead the league's goalkicking with 87 for the season. Fanning, Ron Irwin and Bill Adams were guest players in an August match to raise funds for prisoners of war.